PATHS Study: Perinatal Mental Health Access & Support
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Support for mild to moderate perinatal mental health difficulties: What Works for Who, And In What Circumstances? PATHS Study: Perinatal Mental Health Access and Support
IRAS ID
344861
Contact name
Abigail Easter
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
During pregnancy and the first postnatal year (the perinatal period), about 20% of mothers/birthing people and 10% of fathers/non-birthing parents, experience mental health difficulties, frequently anxiety and depression. There is good evidence on the effectiveness of interventions for mild-moderate perinatal mental health (PMH) difficulties, and barriers to accessing care. However, little is known about what is currently being offered relative to this evidence.
Through the PATHS Study we will look to specifically understand; what are the range, features and outcomes of interventions being delivered nationally to support parents with mild-moderate PMH difficulties? What are the pathways to accessing interventions for mild-moderate PMH difficulties? What are the factors that contribute to disparities in access for different populations and how are these being addressed?
We will use a Realist Evaluation Approach to determine what works for whom, how, and in what circumstances, applying an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. Case Studies in three regions will see realist interviews carried out with parents experiencing PMH difficulties, and interviews/focus groups carried out with providers of interventions.
We will also distribute a survey nationally to professionals and organisations involved in delivering structured and targeted interventions for parents (mothers/birthing people, and fathers/co-parents) experiencing mild to moderate mental health (PMH) difficulties (in pregnancy and up to two years postnatal). This survey will gather information about the types of interventions that are being provided, how these are being delivered, who is accessing them, and the pathways to access and other support.
We will disseminate a range of outputs (e.g., policy reports and briefings, newsletters, academic papers and presentations). Findings will help inform policy and healthcare decisions on the provision of interventions for mild moderate PMH difficulties, and configuration of care. In the longer-term, it will increase access and improve mental health among parents with mental health difficulties.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0177
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion